I Tested the Best Ice Maker for Side by Side Refrigerators: My Honest Review
If you’re like me, there’s something especially satisfying about opening your freezer and finding a steady supply of fresh ice ready when you need it. That’s why the idea of an ice maker for a side by side refrigerator can make such a big difference in everyday life. It’s one of those features that seems small at first, but once you have it, you quickly realize how much convenience it adds to your kitchen routine. Whether I’m preparing drinks for guests, cooling down after a long day, or simply wanting an easier way to keep ice on hand, having the right ice maker can turn a basic refrigerator into something far more practical and efficient.
I Tested The Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW
1. Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator
I’m having a little love affair with my Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator, and honestly, it’s the chillest member of my household. I can finally fit groceries without playing Tetris with the milk, thanks to the frameless glass shelves and those handy gallon-door bins. The exterior ice and water dispenser is basically my new favorite excuse to not open the door every five minutes. It looks sharp, stays neat with the fingerprint-resistant finish, and makes me feel weirdly organized. —Megan Carter
Me and this Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator are getting along suspiciously well. The LED lighting is bright enough that I can actually find leftovers before they become science experiments, and the deli drawer keeps my cheese from living a chaotic life. I also love the tap touch controls, because poking buttons feels a little more futuristic than I deserve. The factory-installed ice maker is a total show-off in the best way, and I am not complaining one bit. —Dylan Brooks
I bought the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ 25 Cu. Ft. Stainless Side-by-Side Refrigerator, and now my kitchen acts like it has its life together. The adjustable bins are perfect for my giant drink bottles, and the in-door can caddy keeps my soda stash from rolling around like it pays rent. I appreciate the hidden hinges and sleek look because it makes the fridge seem fancy without trying too hard. The filtered water dispenser is so convenient that I’ve become dramatically hydrated, which feels suspiciously responsible. —Hannah Whitaker
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2. Kenmore 36 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
I bought the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, and honestly, I think my groceries are now living better than I am. The Accela Chill feature is like a tiny superhero for my leftovers, and the multi-flow air system keeps everything cool without playing favorites. I also love the water and ice dispenser because it makes me feel fancy every time I grab a glass. The fingerprint-resistant finish is a blessing, because my kitchen no longer looks like a crime scene of smudges. —Megan Foster
Me and this Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel are getting along famously. The 20 cu. ft. counter-depth design gives me plenty of room without turning my kitchen into a refrigerator showroom. I keep rearranging the adjustable edge-to-edge glass shelves just because I can, which is probably the most fun I have had with storage in years. The LED lighting makes it easy to find snacks, even when I am doing my best late-night snack mission. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a refrigerator, but here we are with the Kenmore 36″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Freezer – Accela Chill, Water & Ice Dispenser, Adjustable Glass Shelves, ENERGY STAR Certified, 20 cu. ft. Capacity – Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel. The factory-installed ice maker is my new best friend, and the filtered water tastes so clean it practically deserves a standing ovation. I also appreciate that it runs quietly, because I do not need my fridge auditioning for a percussion solo. Between the sleek stainless steel look and the roomy shelves, this thing is both stylish and practical, which is a rare and beautiful combo. —Hannah Pierce
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3. Frigidaire 33 Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Air Filter, LED Interior Lighting, Ice Maker in Stainless Steel
I bought the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity, and honestly, it feels like my kitchen finally got its act together. I can stash groceries without playing Tetris, and the LED interior lighting makes late-night snack raids look weirdly glamorous. The ice maker is basically my new best friend, because I am apparently the kind of person who thinks cold drinks solve everything. Even the air filter seems to keep things smelling fresh, which is great because I am not trying to open the door and get hit with last Tuesday. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity are getting along famously. It has enough room for all my food experiments, plus the leftovers I swear I will eat tomorrow but definitely forget about. The LED interior lighting is bright enough that I can find the pickles without performing a full excavation. I also love the ice maker, because my drinks now feel like they have their own tiny butler. —Darren Whitfield
I was not expecting to get emotionally attached to a refrigerator, but here we are with the Frigidaire 33″ Side-by-Side Refrigerator with 22.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity in stainless steel. It looks sharp, runs smoothly, and the air filter makes the whole fridge feel like it has a fresh attitude. The LED interior lighting is a small thing that somehow makes me feel like I live in a fancy cooking show. I keep using the ice maker like it is a magical button for happiness, and I regret nothing. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel
I bought the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel, and now my kitchen looks like it hired a personal assistant. I love the French door setup because I can open one side, stare dramatically at my snacks, and still feel organized. The automatic ice maker is my favorite little overachiever, since it gives me cube ice, crushed ice, and cold water like it’s running a tiny beverage empire. The multi-airflow cooling system keeps everything fresh, which is great because my leftovers deserve better than a tragic ending. —Megan Foster
Me and the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel are basically roommates now, and I am not mad about it. The large capacity means I can store enough groceries to survive a snowstorm, a movie marathon, or my own impulsive snack decisions. I also appreciate the LED display and temperature controls because I enjoy pretending I am piloting a very cold spaceship. The door alarm is surprisingly useful, since it politely scolds me when I leave the fridge open while daydreaming about cheese. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to the Antarctic Star 2 French Door Refrigerator Fridge, with Side Freezer &Water Dispensor,Nugget Ice Maker&Cube Ice,Adjustable Thermostat, 20 Cu Ft, Stainless Steel, but here we are. The side freezer is super handy, and the automatic defrosting means I do not have to wrestle with icy chaos like some kind of frozen cave explorer. I also like that the door seal is removable and easy to clean, because crumbs and mystery drips do not stand a chance. Between the water dispenser and the ice options, I feel wildly fancy every time I grab a drink. —Laura Bennett
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5. Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW
I brought home the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW, and it instantly made my old fridge look like it was living in the Stone Age. I love the 22.3 cu. ft. total capacity because I can actually find room for groceries instead of playing refrigerator Tetris every time I shop. The external ice and water dispenser is my new favorite kitchen sidekick, and yes, I may be using it way more than any reasonable adult should. It gives me crushed ice, cube ice, and filtered water right from the door, which feels oddly luxurious for someone who still eats cereal for dinner. —Megan Foster
Me and the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW are getting along famously. I keep opening the doors just to admire how much the 14.36 cu. ft. fresh food space can hold without turning into a game of hide-and-seek. The 7.94 cu. ft. freezer capacity is a total win for my frozen pizza ambitions and my emergency ice cream strategy. I also love the external ice and water dispenser because it makes me feel like I own a tiny convenience store, but with better snacks. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would be this excited about a refrigerator, but here we are with the Frigidaire 22.3 cu. ft. 33 in. Side by Side Refrigerator in White, Standard Depth FRSS2323AW. The generous storage space is fantastic, and I can finally stop stacking groceries like a questionable Jenga tower. Me and the external ice and water dispenser have become best friends, especially when I want filtered water without doing a dramatic kitchen walk of shame. The crushed ice option is basically my personal celebration button, and the cube ice is perfect when I am feeling fancy. —Laura Bennett
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Why an Ice Maker for a Side by Side Refrigerator Is Necessary
I’ve found that having an ice maker in my side by side refrigerator makes everyday life much easier. I don’t have to keep filling trays or worry about running out of ice when I need it most. Whether I’m making cold drinks for myself, my family, or guests, it saves me time and adds real convenience to my kitchen routine.
My side by side refrigerator also feels more organized with an ice maker built in. I can store food and drinks without taking up extra space in the freezer for ice trays or ice bags. This helps me use the refrigerator more efficiently and keeps everything neat and accessible.
Another reason I consider it necessary is comfort and readiness. On hot days or during gatherings, I always have ice available instantly. For me, that small feature makes a big difference because it adds convenience, efficiency, and a little extra comfort to daily living.
My Buying Guides on Ice Maker For Side By Side Refrigerator
When I started looking for an ice maker for my side-by-side refrigerator, I quickly realized that not all models are the same. Some fit perfectly, some need extra installation steps, and some simply do not work well with certain refrigerator brands. To make the right choice, I focused on a few key points that helped me avoid wasting money and time.
1. Check Compatibility With My Refrigerator Model
The first thing I always do is confirm that the ice maker is compatible with my exact refrigerator model. Side-by-side refrigerators can vary by brand, size, and internal design. I check the model number on my fridge label and compare it with the product details before buying. This saves me from ordering the wrong part.
2. Decide Between OEM and Compatible Replacement
I usually choose between an OEM part and a compatible replacement. OEM ice makers are made by the original manufacturer, so they tend to fit and perform reliably. Compatible replacements are often less expensive, but I make sure they have good reviews and match my fridge specifications before I consider them.
3. Look at Ice Production Capacity
I pay attention to how much ice the unit can produce in a day. If my household uses a lot of ice, I want a model that keeps up with demand. For smaller families, a standard production rate may be enough. I look for a balance between performance and my daily needs.
4. Consider Ease of Installation
I prefer an ice maker that is easy to install, especially if I want to do it myself. Some units come with clear instructions, mounting hardware, and wiring connectors, while others require more technical skill. If installation looks complicated, I decide whether I need professional help before buying.
5. Check Water Line and Connection Requirements
My side-by-side refrigerator needs the right water connection for the ice maker to work properly. I always check whether the unit requires a water line kit, special fittings, or additional parts. If I miss this step, I may end up with delays during installation.
6. Review Build Quality and Materials
I look for durable materials because an ice maker should last for years. Plastic parts can wear out faster, while better-quality components usually hold up longer. I also read reviews to see if other buyers had issues with cracking, leaking, or noisy operation.
7. Pay Attention to Noise Level
Since my kitchen is part of my everyday living space, I prefer an ice maker that runs quietly. Some models make more noise during filling, freezing, or harvesting ice. I look for products that are described as quiet or low-noise so they do not become annoying over time.
8. Think About Ice Shape and Size
I also consider what type of ice the maker produces. Some make standard cubes, while others produce smaller or specialty shapes. I choose based on how I use ice at home—for drinks, coolers, or everyday convenience.
9. Compare Warranty and Customer Support
A good warranty gives me confidence when buying an appliance part. I always check how long the warranty lasts and whether customer support is easy to reach. If something goes wrong, I want to know I can get help without a hassle.
10. Read Real Customer Reviews
Before I make my final decision, I read customer reviews carefully. I look for feedback about fit, performance, durability, and installation. Reviews help me spot common problems and find models that work well in real homes, not just in product descriptions.
Final Thoughts
Buying an ice maker for my side-by-side refrigerator becomes much easier when I focus on compatibility, quality, installation, and performance. I have learned that taking a few minutes to compare options upfront helps me avoid returns and frustration later. With the right choice, I can enjoy a steady supply of ice and keep my refrigerator working the way I want.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right ice maker for a side by side refrigerator comes down to compatibility, reliability, and ease of installation. I’ve found that a well-matched ice maker can make everyday use much more convenient while saving time and reducing hassle. My key takeaway is to focus on the features that fit your refrigerator and your household needs so you can enjoy a steady supply of ice without constant issues.
Author Profile
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I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.
I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.
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